14 citizenship pathways — everything you need to know about eligibility, documents, timelines, and costs.
1 pathway in this category
Person adopted outside Canada by Canadian citizen parent under Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption compliant framework; genuine parent-child relationship; post-2025-12-15 adoptees subject to substantial-connection test if adoptive parent born abroad
1 pathway in this category
Born in Canada after 1977-02-14; diplomatic-child exception under s.3(2) where neither parent was citizen or PR
3 pathways in this category
Born outside Canada after 1977-02-14 to a Canadian-citizen parent who was born in Canada or naturalized (i.e., first generation born abroad)
Born outside Canada on or after 2025-12-15 to a Canadian parent who was themselves born abroad, IF that parent was physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days before the child's birth (substantial connection test). Replaces the Bjorkquist-struck first-generation limit.
First-generation / substantial-connection limits in s.3(3) do NOT apply to children born abroad where a parent (or grandparent) was employed with Canadian Armed Forces, federal public administration, or provincial public service, otherwise than as a locally-engaged person.
3 pathways in this category
Citizen immediately before 1977-02-15 under CCA 1946 regime, OR born abroad pre-1977 to Canadian-citizen parent, OR pre-2009-04-17 grantees who would have been citizens under (g)
Persons born/naturalized in Canada pre-1947 (or Newfoundland pre-1949) who ceased to be British subjects and did not become citizens on that date; descendants thereof. Bill S-2/C-37/C-3 progressive restoration.
Persons born before 2025-12-15 who would have been citizens but for the first-generation limit or other outdated rules; includes deceased-parent cases under new s.3(1.5). Central Bill C-3 remedial category.
1 pathway in this category
Status Indian registration under Indian Act R.S.C. 1985 c. I-5 s.6 — parallel to but NOT substitute for Canadian citizenship. Jay Treaty Art III rights for Haudenosaunee + cross-border First Nations. Métis/Inuit constitutional recognition per Daniels v Canada 2016 SCC 12.
2 pathways in this category
18+ PR in Canada 3 of 5 years (1,095 days physical presence), 183 days/year, tax filing 3 of 5, CLB 4 language, knowledge-of-Canada test (ages 18-54), no s.22 prohibitions. Fee CAD$630 ($530 processing + $100 Right of Citizenship).
Minor child of Canadian citizen parent; no residence, language, or knowledge requirements. Fee CAD$100.
1 pathway in this category
Former citizens who lost citizenship under s.9 (renunciation) or other provisions may apply for resumption, subject to PR status in Canada and no prohibitions under s.22
2 pathways in this category
Minister's discretionary grant to alleviate statelessness, including fulfillment of 1961 Convention Art 1 and CRC Art 7 obligations; no residence, language, or knowledge requirements
Minister's discretionary grant in cases of special/unusual hardship, service of exceptional value to Canada, or other compelling circumstances. Used as interim Bjorkquist remedy 2023-12-19 to 2025-12-14.
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